Stamford AFC defeat Lowestoft Town in the Southern League Premier Division Central

Manager Graham Drury hailed an unbelievable performance from his Stamford side as they moved back into the Southern League Premier Division Central play-off places after a terrific away success on Tuesday night.

The Daniels bounced back from the weekend defeat at home to Harborough Town with a 3-0 victory at Lowestoft.

Tendai Chitiza, Tobias Liversidge and George Hobbins scored the goals that lifted Stamford back up into fifth place as they defied a near 280-mile round midweek trip to Suffolk to return home with the three points.

Drury said: "It was an unbelievable performance.

"The energy levels and running behind the ball was absolutely tremendous.

"There wasn't a bad performance and I was really impressed with our out of possession commitment. It was as good as I've seen."

The Daniels handed a first start to Cosmos Matwasa on his return to the club for a one-month loan spell from National League North side Alfreton.

After Stamford goalkeeper Tom Jackson was called into an early save, the Daniels looked the most threatening of the two teams.

Matwasa linked well with both Chitiza and Rob Morgan while Liversidge tested home goalkeeper Sam Blair with a shot.

The deadlock was broken just past the half-hour mark when Morgan deftly flicked the ball into Chitiza's path and he rifled home the opening goal with a superb volley.

Chitiza and Liversidge both threatened to add to the tally before they combined to double the advantage in first half injury time.

Goalscorer Chitiza was this time the provider as his pass released Liversidge who slotted his finish past the Lowestoft goalkeeper.

Liversidge went close again after the break while Morgan excelled on defensive duties at the other end to keep the Trawlermen at bay.

The decisive third goal arrived just before the hour mark with a fine finish from Hobbins after Charlie Marzano's pass.

Marzano had coped well with the threat of Lowestoft dangerman Harvey Sayer while a late save from Jackson ensured a clean sheet after a terrific team performance from the Daniels.

Manager Drury added: "Tendai did what he does up top, jinking in and out, getting hold of the ball and linking play.

"The work-rate behind the ball from Liversidge, Matwasa, Shaw, Morgan and Joe Burgess was terrific.

"Hobbins and Marzano did really well on the outside while everything that came up was sent back the other way by Jordon Cooke and Ashton Offler.

"We were good on the second balls and our finishing was lethal because I've asked questions of some of the players to score more goals.

"They have added the goals to their game which is really important and the commitment of the lads to the match was unbelievable."

Stamford had been forced into a 3pm departure with players taking time off work before returning home around 1am.

Drury commented: "We were all in the same boat, having travelled three or four hours, and we knew that we would all get in late.

"I said in the team talk before the game that it was all about desire and commitment.

"I'm not saying we're going to win the title but they will be won in away games on a Tuesday night because it is all about mentality.

"Our mentality and attitude was right. The work-rate and desire was spot on."

The Daniels are back in action at the Zeeco Stadium on Saturday when they host Redditch United (3pm).